Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Sparkling Pomegranate Christmas Tart is a breathtaking holiday dessert that marries elegance, freshness, and winter charm in every slice. With its buttery crust, silky cream filling, and a stunning crown of jewel-toned pomegranate arils, this tart brings brightness and sophistication to any festive gathering. I’ve made variations of this dessert for Christmas dinners, and it always captures attention before anyone even takes a bite. Once, when I needed to thin the cream filling, I used a splash of almond milk instead of regular milk, and it worked beautifully—showing just how forgiving this recipe can be. The tart’s refreshing flavour offers the perfect contrast to rich holiday mains, making it a delightful finale to seasonal meals. Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday feast or preparing a special dessert for a cosy celebration, this tart delivers elegance, simplicity, and a sparkling touch of Christmas magic.
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Sparkling Pomegranate Christmas Tart: A Dazzling, Festive Dessert for Your Holiday Table
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sparkling Pomegranate Christmas Tart is a stunning holiday dessert featuring a crisp buttery crust, silky cream filling, and a dazzling topping of fresh pomegranate jewels coated in a sparkling glaze.
Ingredients
- Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1–2 tablespoons cold water
- Cream Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Pomegranate Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh pomegranate seeds
- 1/3 cup pomegranate juice
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch tart pan.
- Combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add cold water as needed and mix until dough forms. Press evenly into tart pan.
- Prick the bottom with a fork and bake 15–18 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Whip heavy cream separately to soft peaks, then fold into cream cheese mixture. Spread into cooled crust.
- For glaze, whisk pomegranate juice, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thickened and glossy. Cool completely.
- Toss pomegranate seeds with the cooled glaze.
- Spoon glazed pomegranate mixture evenly over the cream filling.
- Chill at least 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
- Use fresh pomegranate seeds for the brightest color and crunch.
- Let the glaze cool fully before adding to avoid melting the cream layer.
- Tart shell can be baked a day ahead.
- For extra sparkle, sprinkle with coarse sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking / No-Bake
- Cuisine: European
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Tart Crust (Homemade or Store-Bought)
A tart crust provides a crisp, buttery foundation that supports the creamy filling and juicy pomegranate topping.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese lends richness and tang to the filling, creating a smooth, luxurious base.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream lightens the filling, whipped into softness to create an airy, velvety texture.
Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens the filling subtly and dissolves easily for a silky consistency.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract enhances the creaminess and adds warmth to the flavour profile.
Lemon Zest
Lemon zest brightens the filling, balancing richness with citrus freshness.
Pomegranate Arils
Fresh pomegranate arils provide sparkle, festive colour, and juicy bursts of sweet-tart flavour.
Pomegranate Jelly or Glaze
A thin layer of pomegranate jelly or glaze adds shine and intensifies the pomegranate flavour.
Salt
A small amount of salt enhances overall flavour and balances sweetness.
Directions
Begin by preparing your tart shell. If using a homemade crust, blind bake it until lightly golden, then allow it to cool completely before filling. This ensures the structure remains crisp and prevents any sogginess.
In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth and lump-free. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt, mixing until silky. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, preserving the airiness of the filling.
Spread a thin layer of pomegranate jelly or glaze over the bottom of the tart shell. This adds flavour and helps seal the crust. Spoon the creamy filling over the glaze and smooth the top with an offset spatula.
Pat the pomegranate arils dry to prevent extra moisture, then scatter them generously across the surface of the tart or arrange them in a decorative pattern. Warm a small amount of jelly or glaze and lightly brush it over the fruit to add shine and help the arils adhere. Chill the tart for at least 2 hours to ensure the filling sets properly before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This tart serves approximately 8 to 10 people. Preparation takes about 25 minutes, with an additional 2 hours of chilling time. If preparing a homemade crust, allow 20–25 minutes for baking and cooling.
Storage/reheating
Store the tart covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the topping as dry as possible to maintain freshness and avoid softening the crust. This tart is best served chilled. Reheating is not recommended due to the delicate filling and fresh fruit.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate-Lined Crust
Brush melted dark chocolate onto the crust before filling for deeper flavour and added stability.
Citrus-Pomegranate Fusion
Add orange zest or a splash of fresh orange juice to the filling for a fragrant twist.
Nutty Crunch
Sprinkle chopped pistachios or almonds over the pomegranate arils for colour and texture.
Mascarpone Blend
Replace some of the cream cheese with mascarpone for an even silkier filling.
Berry-Pomegranate Mix
Add raspberries or blackberries alongside the arils for additional colour and brightness.
Spiced Winter Version
Add a touch of cinnamon or cardamom to the filling for gentle holiday warmth.
Jewel-Tone Glaze
Mix pomegranate and raspberry jelly for a deeper-coloured, vibrant finish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen pomegranate arils?
Fresh arils are best, but thawed ones can be used if dried thoroughly.
Should I blind bake the crust?
Yes, blind baking ensures a crisp base that won’t soften under the filling.
Can I make this tart a day in advance?
Absolutely; it holds up well overnight in the refrigerator.
Can I reduce the sugar in the filling?
Yes, powdered sugar can be adjusted to taste.
Is a graham cracker crust suitable?
Yes, it creates a sweeter, delicious alternative to traditional tart crust.
Can the filling be made without heavy cream?
You may use whipped topping, though the texture will differ slightly.
Does the glaze have to be pomegranate?
Raspberry or red currant glaze works beautifully if pomegranate is unavailable.
Can I freeze the tart?
Freezing is not recommended due to the fresh fruit and creamy filling.
How do I keep the arils from sinking?
Ensure the filling is thick and chilled slightly before topping if needed.
Can I serve this tart warm?
It is best served chilled for proper texture and flavour.
Conclusion
The Sparkling Pomegranate Christmas Tart is an elegant, vibrant dessert that captures the beauty and flavour of the festive season. With its creamy filling, buttery crust, and brilliant jewel-like pomegranate topping, it delivers freshness and indulgence in perfect harmony. This tart is simple enough for home bakers yet impressive enough to serve at any holiday celebration. Whether shared at a family gathering or presented as the grand finale to a Christmas feast, it brings brightness, flavour, and seasonal joy to every bite. Enjoy adding this sparkling dessert to your holiday traditions.
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